What Does a Business Coach Actually Do?

What Does a Business Coach Actually Do?

“Business coaches bring knowledge and experience, particularly as they work with lots of different businesses and can see what’s going on inside many industries.”

We get asked so many times, what does a business coach do? There has been such an influx in the coaching industry over the last few years, with many people calling themselves coaches but actually doing something very different.

That’s why we want to talk about what a business coach does, how to identify if your business requires one, and if so, how to find the right coach and programme for your business.

When discussing what a business coach does, we like to use the analogy of an Olympic runner. An Olympic runner doesn’t have a running coach to teach them how to run fast or put one foot in front of the other. They have a running coach to make sure they look after themselves, show up for training, hold them accountable, and push them towards their goals.

A coach, in this instance, puts all of this in to help the Olympic runner be the best they can be when they are out on the track. The running coach doesn’t get out on the track with the runner, instead, they stay in the background making sure that everything else is running smoothly. Things like mindset and attitude will enable the Olympic runner to be at their best.

Our role is not to come into your business to tell you how to run it. For example, if you’re a copywriter or graphic designer, you won’t find our team coming in and telling you how to be better at those jobs. You are the expert. Instead, just like the running coach, you will find us in the periphery, supporting and guiding you on leadership, mindset, processes, goal setting and helping you define your clarity.

The whole purpose of a coach and coaching team is to move your business from where it is, to where you want it to be. We take steps to help you and your team get there and help your business operate in the best way possible.

Do I need a business coach?

You will never get to a place where you can’t run your business without a business coach. That just won’t happen. You can figure things out yourself and ask other people for help. However, the beauty of a business coach is that it collapses the time it would take for you to figure it out on your own.

Business coaches bring knowledge and experience, particularly as they work with many different businesses and can see what’s happening in various industries. Business coaches can often see what’s working and what isn’t. Many business coaches will also have some form of business experience. At the Ethical Coaching Company, our team has experience in small and, large organisations.

If you’re struggling to achieve your goals or feel overwhelmed and need support, a coach can be a great option, almost like a tool in the toolbag, bringing forth mentoring and ideas you might not have and might never have thought of. A coach might be a sounding board or a trusted advisor, it all really depends on you and your team need to move forward. This is why it’s important to understand what you need help with before choosing a business coach, to ensure you pick the right one for you and your business.

How Do I Pick the Right Coach?

Before deciding on the coaching programme, you have to know what you need and what your team needs. What can we help you with?  

Where do you feel your business is stuck? As the business leader, do you need help with clarity for moving the business forward or does your team need help in certain areas? Our business coaches will highlight different perspectives and challenge the status quo. The impact can be immediate. You and your team will think differently when you complete your coaching programme. Viewing your business through a different lens than the one you started with. 

There are so many different coaches who offer so many different approaches. The best experience and best results come from the right coaching team. There are strategy coaches, life coaches, mentors, and niche coaches. It is important you know beforehand what you need help with to ensure you pick the right one for you.

Ensure your values align when you meet a potential coach and understand what they will help you with. If you don’t manage that expectation early on, you are going to end up feeling really let down by the process. A positive experience with the right coach and coaching team can literally change your business life.

Finding the right coach or coaching group is a great question, especially when so many are out there. My advice is always to do your research. When researching, find out as much as you can about your potential business coach, their company and team, what are their values, how do they operate, and how does that feel for you? Do you want to work with someone who operates in a way you don’t feel comfortable with? Spend time talking to a potential coach, if they don’t want to talk to you, you shouldn’t be signing up with them.

You should look at testimonials to get clear and comfortable before signing up. Get referrals, listen to the experience of others, and even follow a potential coach and their company for a while. You could even sign up for free courses. Absorb as much as possible about a potential coach, sign up for their emails, follow them online, and get to know them as best as possible before committing to investing with them.

Listen to your instinct. If your gut is telling you this is the right person or group for you, go for it. Equally, if your gut isn’t sure, do your research.

Investing your time and money in yourself and your business to grow is a fantastic thing to do. There is nothing wrong with wanting to grow, and there is nothing wrong with wanting a better business and having high aspirations. It’s a brilliant journey to be on because business owners already have all the tools they need to succeed. They just need guidance that comes from a different perspective.

We coach, mentor, and consult. We do everything that will help our clients, but if you pick someone who solely coaches, make sure that’s enough for you. Find someone who gives you energy and someone you trust.

If you need some support with identifying what support you need please feel free to reach out to The Ethical Coaching Company, a member of our team will be more than happy to help - Contact us here!

Good luck on your coaching journey!